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Our family law attorneys have helped hundreds of families get through difficult times. Don't take our word for it, read testimonials from our past clients to get an idea of how we can help your family get through this difficult time.

“Molly and her staff supported me completely through a drawn out divorce. My ex and his lawyer did everything they could to bleed me dry and drag the proceedings out. Molly is extremely compassionate and professional. I highly recommend her.”

Molly is rated AV - the highest possible rating- by her peers through the Martindale and Hubble rating process and has been recognized as a Superb Family Law attorney and Client's Choice 2012 by Avvo.com.

Molly has also been named by Seattle Met Magazine as one of Seattle's top family law attorneys.

Stacey Smythe has over 24 years of experience in representing Northwest clients in cases ranging from divorce (amicable and high-conflict), modifications, child custody, paternity, child support and domestic violence. Additionally I have experience to provide counsel in drafting Wills, Complete Estate Planning consultation and Probate Administration.

Monica Rands-Preuss is licensed both in California and Washington. She has been practicing family law since 1994. Monica has years of experience working with families in transition. She believes that since all families are unique, their solutions should be too.

If you are currently involved in a divorce, you may have a lot of false ideas about how courts handle custody. There is a general public consensus that courts always side with moms and never award joint custody. And while this is, in-part, historically accurate to an extent, legislation in one state is trying to do something about it.

How does the Legislature Want to Split Custody?

Studies have consistently found that children need both parents in their life for optimal development. Seeing one parent every other weekend is just not sufficient for the amount of love, connection, and relationship building that every child needs.

"The one thing that's in common is what the children need, and generally speaking, they are hard wired; children are just hard wired to need both biological parents," Andrea Bishop, Executive Director of the Betty and Bobby Allison Ozarks Counseling Center, explained to KY3 News.

Missouri legislators seem to agree. They have introduced new legislation in both the state house and senate that proposes 50/50 shared custody in most custody cases. The bill proposes to have parents alternate weeks for custody, e.g., the child stays with mom one week and dad the next.

This raises a lot of questions. What if one parent is not attentive or has poor parenting skills? What if the parents live far apart? What if one parent is absent the majority of the time? In these cases, the bill provides that parents would be able to submit to the court alternative schedules for approval.

How do Washington Courts Generally Approach Custody?

Washington courts have always based custody determinations on what is “in the best interest of the child,” and they do it on a case-by-case basis. They look at a variety of factors, from the child’s relationship with each parent to the parents’ health and ability to provide support.

During a divorce proceeding, the courts will review evidence that each party submits and try to determine what would be the best living situation for the child given the particular circumstances.

Some are under the assumption that the courts are biased against fathers, and award mothers with full custody in most cases. This is most certainly not true in the Seattle area. Courts here are increasingly recognizing that a father is indispensable in a child’s life, and are increasingly moving towards joint custody schedules.

Where Can I Get Legal Advice for My Custody Case?

If you reside in Washington, contact the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny for help with your custody case. My family law team has helped hundreds of parents through difficult child custody issues, and would be happy to help you too. Call my office today at 425-460-0550 to schedule a consultation.

Molly B. Kenny's Bellevue family law office is conveniently located on Lake Bellevue Drive, making it easily accessible to those in the greater Seattle area. Our divorce and child custody lawyers help men and women get the information, guidance, and compassionate representation they need.